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NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsAugust 20, 2026Hillsborough

Florida Department of Transportation paint covering St. Petersburg Pride mural begins to fade

The black paint applied to the St. Petersburg Pride street mural on Central Avenue is wearing away, revealing the original rainbow colors underneath. The state previously ordered the removal of the mural, citing concerns that non-standard road markings create driver distractions and safety hazards.

transportationLGBTQ+public_artroad_safety
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All News

Why It Matters

The visibility of the mural highlights an ongoing conflict between state-mandated road safety standards and local community expressions of identity.

Key Facts

  • The Florida Department of Transportation ordered the removal of street murals across the state.
  • The state cited driver distraction and traffic safety as the reason for removing non-standard road markings.
  • The St. Petersburg Pride mural on Central Avenue was painted over with black paint last year.
  • The black paint is currently wearing away, allowing the original rainbow colors to become visible again.
  • The Florida Department of Transportation has not confirmed if they plan to perform maintenance or upkeep on the painted-over intersections.

Who's Mentioned

personTamara Leigh“President of Tampa Bay Black Lesbians.”organizationTampa Bay Black Lesbians“Community organization represented by Tamara Leigh.”organizationFlorida Department of Transportation“The state agency that ordered the removal of the mural.”organizationFox 13“The news outlet reporting on the mural.”locationCentral Avenue“The location of the Pride street mural in St. Petersburg.”